The one-day conference is a Meloni initiative that aims to make Italy a leader in resolving issues impacting Mediterranean nations. Meloni told the opening meeting that Western arrogance had likely stood in the way of solutions to the migrant issue. She proposed four main prongs for future cooperation: fighting criminal organizations trafficking migrants, better managing flows of migrants, supporting refugees and helping countries of origin. “The West too often has given the impression of being more interested in giving lessons rather than lending a hand,’’ Meloni said. A further 483 are dead or missing in Africa this year.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 23, 2023 13:55 UTC